4 dead, flights hit as torrential rains lash Kerala, IMD issues red alert for five districts

kerala rains

Four persons were killed as torrential rains lashed Kerala on May 22, swamping houses and roads and delaying flight operations, even as heavy rain warning has been issued for at least five districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts, warning of severe rainfall.

Four people died in rain-related incidents across the state, data provided by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) showed.

The national forecaster upgraded its orange alert to red, warning of exceptionally heavy rain in isolated areas of Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad continue to be on orange alert, while Kannur and Kasaragod remain on yellow alert, the IMD said.

Torrential rain caused flooding in some parts of the Cochin city on May 22 night. Houses and main roadways in parts of Kochi were swamped, while low-lying areas of Thrissur city were also submerged.

KSDMA has advised fishermen not to go out to sea until further notice.

According to officials, sea incursions and high waves between 0.4 and 3.3 metres are expected throughout Kerala's coast till May 23 night, extending from Vizhinjam in the south to Kasaragod in the north.

A state control room has been set up to strengthen epidemic prevention activities, health minister Veena George said.

Flights affected due to bad weather
Operations were hit at the Calicut International Airport, with flight arrivals and departures delayed on May 23 morning, reports said.

Five Air India Express flights from Doha, Muscat, Dubai, Dammam, and Riyadh have been diverted.

Due to severe rain, flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Dubai were also delayed, while the Air India Express flight to Doha was cancelled.

(With PTI inputs)